How to start a photography business in Longford

A good fit if you have an eye for light and like working with people

Photography turns a creative eye into paid work, with gear you can build up as you go. Most new photographers start with portraits, families and headshots, then add events, weddings or work for businesses. Your portfolio and reviews do most of the selling.

From €1,450 to start

Start lean with the essentials and upgrade as customers come, or set up fully from day one.

Once you're running: about €60 a month, plus about 8% of what you earn. Editing software, online galleries, insurance and backup every month, plus travel and card fees for each session.

Work out your own numbers

Move the sliders to match your plans. The chart shows a first year that builds up as word gets around.

12 steps to your first customers

Each step says what it costs and how long it takes. Most owners get through them in a few weeks.

1. 1

   Learn what sells near you

   2–3 days Free

   Look at local photographers' prices and the kinds of shoots they offer. Pick two or three to start, like families and headshots.

   • Note 5 photographers and their prices
   • Find a gap you can fill
   • Choose your first two services
2. 2

   Choose your name

   1 day Free

   Many photographers use their own name; others pick a studio name. Make sure no one in Longford has it.

   • 3–5 name ideas
   • Check no one else uses it
   • Check the domain

   Get name ideas for your businessFind a name
3. 3

   Register your business in Longford

   1 day to 2 weeks €0–€50

   Most owners start as a sole trader with Revenue, and register a business name if they trade under another name; a company with the CRO keeps business debts separate.

   • Register as a sole trader: free
   • Register your business name: €20
   • Form a company: €50
4. 4

   Get your Tax Reference Number (TRN)

   1–5 days Free

   Your business's tax number from Revenue, for taxes and banking.

   • Register with Revenue
   • Open a business bank account
5. 5

   Build your kit

   1–2 weeks €1.2k–3.9k

   A good camera body and one bright lens cover most portrait work. Buying used saves a lot; add lenses, a flash and a backup body as bookings grow.

   • Camera and a bright lens
   • Memory cards and backup
   • Editing software
6. 6

   Build a portfolio

   2–4 weeks Free

   Shoot friends, family and a few local businesses for free or at cost, in exchange for using the photos.

   • Five to ten practice shoots
   • Signed model releases
   • Your best twenty photos
7. 7

   Sort out VAT

   1–3 days Free

   You must register for VAT once your sales pass €42,500 a year. The rate is 23%.

   • Know when to register for VAT
   • Keep records of income and costs
   • Set money aside for income tax
8. 8

   Get insured

   1–2 days Quotes are free

   Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on a job. Get quotes from two or three insurers.

   • General liability
   • Equipment cover
   • Professional liability
9. 9

   Set your prices and contract

   1–2 days €170–370

   Clear packages with a set time and number of edited photos are easier to sell. Use a written contract and take a deposit for every booking. See the prices below.

   • Two or three packages
   • A deposit to hold the date
   • A contract and model release
10. 10

    Put your business online

    1 day Included

    Clients choose photographers by their work. A site with your portfolio, prices and online booking does the selling.

    • Portfolio website
    • Online booking
    • Google Business Profile

    Describe your business and PressUp builds your websiteBuild your website
11. 11

    Get your first 10 clients

    2–6 weeks Free

    Start with people who know you, then mini-session days, local groups and businesses. Ask every client for a review.

    • Friends and family
    • A mini-session day
    • Ask every client for a review

    Ask your customers for reviews by email with PressUpSee how
12. 12

    Keep track as you grow

    Ongoing Included

    Know who your clients are, what they booked and when to invite them back.

    • Client list
    • Deposits and invoices
    • Yearly reminders

    Keep your customers and invoices in one place with PressUpSee how

What Longford asks for

Registering, taxes, and what this business needs. Check the details with each authority: rules change.

What to buy first

Buy the "must haves" to start. Add the rest when customers pay for them.

3 packages that sell

Simple choices make it easy to say yes. Most customers pick the middle one.

How to get your first customers

You don't need an ad budget. These work for new owners almost everywhere.

What a photography website needs, and how PressUp builds it

A month from now, you could be open

Common questions